Troops of the Nigerian Army have foiled a suspected kidnap attempt by sea pirates along the Oron–Ibaka waterways in Akwa Ibom State, rescuing 37 traders and crew members without casualties.

This was made known in a post on X by Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency and security expert in the Lake Chad region.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred on Tuesday at Akpa Aron Creek in Oron Local Government Area.

Makama, citing intelligence sources, said troops of the 2 Brigade operating under Sector 4 of Operation Delta Safe responded swiftly to a distress call over a suspected kidnap incident involving sea pirates operating along the waterway.

According to the report, the suspected pirates who were travelling in a speedboat, on sighting the troops, reportedly engaged the soldiers before abandoning their kidnap attempt and fleeing the scene under pressure.

The troops successfully rescued 37 traders and crew members who were aboard a wooden market boat targeted by the attackers.

The rescued victims were subsequently escorted safely to the Oron Jetty, where they were handed over for further necessary action.

“The operation is part of ongoing efforts by security forces to secure Nigeria’s inland waterways and protect residents and commercial activities from criminal elements operating in the coastal region,” Makama added.

A man, identified as ‘Kano thug’ has issued a stern warning to bandit kingpin, Kachalla Maha, and sponsors of terrorism to steer clear of Kano State.

In a viral video on X sighted by DAILY POST, the visibly angry man cautioned that anyone nursing the idea of taking banditry to Kano state should have a rethink and stay away.

According to him, Kano is not like other places, noting that they do not tolerate bandits and terrorists in the state.

“Any fool planning to bring harm to Kano, starting with the notorious terrorist, Kachalla Maha, should think again and stay far away.

“Kano is not like Katsina, Zamfara, or Sokoto. We don’t tolerate bandits or terrorists here.

“Our people rose up, fought Boko Haram, Mai-Tatsine and crushed them completely in this state.  Any terrorist who tries to enter Kano will find his final destination right here.

“We stand united and ready. May Allah continue to protect Kano, protect every part of Nigeria, and grant us lasting peace and security. Ameen,” he said.

Troops of the Joint Task Force, North East, Operation HADIN KAI, have successfully repelled an attack by ISWAP terrorists on Forward Operating Base, FOB, Mairari in Guzamala Local Government Area of Borno State.

A statement posted on the verified X handle of the Nigerian Army on Thursday, said the attack occurred at about 11:25 p.m. on 1 July 2026.

The statement noted that the troops responded with determination, inflicting heavy casualties on the terrorists, forcing them to retreat, and recovering AK-47 rifles, loaded magazines, Rocket Propelled Grenade tubes, and other equipment. 

While confirming the evacuation of several dead and wounded terrorists, the army said the attack targeted the recently resettled Mairari community, where over 950 households have returned, but the terrorists failed to disrupt the resettlement process, and no civilian casualties were recorded.

It disclosed that two soldiers and one Civilian Joint Task Force, CJTF, member were killed in action, while some equipment was damaged by Rocket Propelled Grenade fire. 

“The Theatre Command extends its condolences to the families of the fallen heroes. A reinforcement team from Monguno later detected and safely detonated two Improvised Explosive Devices, IEDs, along the route before engaging the withdrawing terrorists, inflicting additional casualties.

“The successful defence of FOB Mairari highlights the combat readiness and resilience of Operation HADIN KAI troops, who remain committed to sustaining offensive operations and restoring lasting peace and security across the North East,” the statement said.